Fairdale Weekender - first look

Fresh and fun steel commuting bike

Oli Woodman/Future Publishing

Published: April 9, 2013 at 2:00 pm

Texas-based brand Fairdale Bikes were founded two years back, by ex-pro BMX rider Taj Mihelich. Now the company have found their way to UK shores via distributors Triton Imports. We got our mitts on the funky Weekender commuter bike, and here is the lowdown.

Several staff members commented positively on the Weekender's looks as we wheeled it around BikeRadar Towers – from people who literally see thousands of bikes a year that's quite something. The gloss black chromoly frameset's clean lines are disrupted only by neon orange details, which, pedals aside, are actually quite subtle.

The Weekender is blessed with what Fairdale refer to as their Archer handlebar. It's a narrow and aggressively swept design, and we think it's a nice touch for a bike that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Sooty and sweep: sooty and sweep - Oli Woodman/Future Publishing

Sooty and sweep

Elsewhere, the Weekender gets up to speed via a SRAM X5 1x9 transmission, and we were particularly impressed to learn that the seat tube-mounted chainguide is standard fit.

Rolling is taking care of with a 32-spoke, 700c wheelset, while Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes put a halt to your motion. You even get sensible Continental Contact 32mm rubber.

Despite looking fairly slender the Fairdale is a bit of a beefcake. We've yet to get it on the scales but were surprised at its heft. To be honest, though, we were struggling to care with so many pluses elsewhere on the bike.

The Weekender comes in sizes ranging from S-XL and is also available in a green colourway. It will set you back £749.99/US$849.99.

For more information on Fairdale Bikes see fairdalebikes.com.